It’s time for the TBEX travel conference. Finally. The event had been scheduled for October 2021 but was canceled due to the Omni Covid variant. Basically, we took a long way around but we got here. I’ve never been to any kind of conference for anything so I have no clue what to expect other than what I’ve seen in a movie or t.v. show. I’m totally in the dark on what’s going to happen as far as knowing what to do and where to be and if I’m even signed up properly for where I need to be. Was given basic itinerary information but so far that’s it. I’m hoping to get more information once I check in. Okay, so in the words of Heath Ledger …” Here. We. Go… “
Day 1: 4/18/22- 8:00 am- Raise and shine! After a quick shower, I’m headed to the airport to catch my flight to Pasco, WA, for the TBEX North American Tri-Cities travel conference. Excited and nervous. Hope all goes well and it’s fun! I’m there till Friday. Gonna be off to a rough start weather-wise I checked the forecast for the week and it is pretty much cloudy with chances of rain and the temps are in ’ the 40s-’50s. Not exactly what the kid from SoCal is used to weather-wise this time of year but I’ll manage. Took the Uber to the airport and did my normal check-in. Won’t have to go through this again, I’m scheduled to get my TSA pre-check later this month. Hopefully, that speeds up this process for my summer and fall trips. Got through with about 20-25 before boarding but unfortunately, Vegas airport has limited options for food at the A gate all I saw were vending machines and a not-so-great “Philly cheesesteak” sandwich place. No thank you. So I got a bag of chips and a soda from the Hudson gift shop and waited to board. Taking the Allegiant non-stop all the way. A surprising fact with their boarding process they allow the active and former military to board first prior to zone and family. Which is nice since I’m ex-military. Most airlines only allow active military this pre-boarding advantage. So well done Allegiant airlines! Way to take care of your current and ex-military people. Boarding was standard. I am in the back in an aisle seat. Which is good for my knees. Only and 1 hour and 50 min flight. Seated next to two females (that’s a first) so no issues with leg or elbow room. The flight was bumpy to start out (Nevada winds ugh) but smoothed out and we are off.
12:45 pm flight lands at Tri-Cities airport. First time I deboarded from the rear of the plane! Didn’t realize airlines did this but apparently, it’s an option off the tarmac. Caught a quick bite to eat and then an Uber to the hotel. Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Kennewick. Checked in by 1:45 pm(early check-in). Settled in and went down to check-in for the conference ..just missed the early check-in but still got my fleece sweater ..Eddie Bauer. I’m impressed. Stopped at the local target for supplies (snacks, water, juice, etc…) and now I’m going to grab a quick bite and hit the bed, long day tomorrow.
Day 2: 4/19/22- 6:30 am-Time to wake up and grab some breakfast and head to check-in. So far everyone is helpful and accommodating. The complimentary breakfast was good. Sausage and cheese biscuit, cinnamon toast crunch, Oj, and a scone. I checked in and got information for my tour later and I was done for the morning.
12:20 pm-Went to meet up for my tour at the Tagaris Organic Winery& Restaurant for a blind tasting and tapas at 1:00 pm! Took the shuttle over to the Winery and the guides. The guide for the tour “Chase” stayed and hung out we met another couple(Jason and Carla) everyone was nice and friendly. I am not a wine connoisseur per se but I did notice the difference in taste once paired with eh different tapas. The fried goat cheese medallions paired with 2019 Organic Chardonnay and the Crispy Brussels with Cockpit Red really stood out to me. Very delicious. After that back to the hotel to grab my “swag bag” take a quick break and it’s off to the opening night party at the Reach Museum.
6:45 pm- Off to the Reach Museum and … the driver got lost. This was concerning cause the museum was only 7 min away! Anyway, we got there and it was nice. Not very big but had a nice view of the lake on the back end and the snacks/food was pretty good. Chatted with a few people and did some slight networking but by 8:15 pm I was ready to go. It was a long day and I was exhausted. Got back to my room and finished up some work and I was off to dreamland.
Day 3: 4/20/22-7:30 am- Up for breakfast and back to my room to get ready for the first full day of the conference and breakout sessions with the guest speakers. After the keynote speech, we were off.
10:35 am- Sessions began and we had a break in between with a break for lunch around 12:30 pm. The speaker that stood out the most that day 1 to me was Nora Dunn and she spoke about “Pandemic Pivots: How Bloggers Did It And Stronger Businesses”. Let’s just say at one point she said.. “Don’t spend your extra money on hookers and blow!” Ok, so we know how Nora likes to party! But it did grab my attention and I was very interested in the rest of her lecture which did provide many helpful tips…so thank you, Nora. Sessions ended at 2:50 pm. They had speed networking with local sponsors from 3:15 pm-5:15 pm. Which I did not attend. At first, I was unsure whether local sponsors could help me in Vegas. However, I wasn’t aware this was the reason we were there – we were there to help them promote their region as a good travel destination, and they were there to assist us with our audience. There’s always next time. Off to my room to take a quick nap and get ready for the next party in downtown Kennewick WA.
6:45 pm- Bus heads out for the party that starts at 7:00 pm. It was at an outdoor venue with food trucks which was nice at first but it got cold and rain came in and things went south quickly. Fortunately, there was an indoor little spot most everyone huddled in. Met a few more cool people and was out of there by 8:30 pm. Back to the hotel to relax and get to bed. Long day tomorrow.
Day 4: 4/21/22-8:30 am-Skipped breakfast and got ready for the keynote speech for that day and then of to the final day of break-out sessions. Same schedule as before but more informative sessions on this day lots of focus on us and what we needed to do to help our brand and site. The one that stood out the most was the final one by Jen Ruiz: How to win with Tik Tok. Lots of helpful tips and notes from this lecture and was able to come away with her book which I’m sure I’ll enjoy! Back to the room to get ready for the final party of that week for me.
6:45 pm- Time to head out to the Peanuts Park in Downtown Pasco. The weather was much better for this outdoor event and the food was excellent! There was some live entertainment and again meet a few new faces and everyone was so helpful and pleasant to speak with. But as the night wore on it got colder and I was ready to head home. Had been in Pasco for 4 days now going on my 5th and I was ready to head home.
Day 5: 4/22/22- 7:41 am- Was up and ready to head home. The flight was not until 9:01 pm that night. I left the hotel at noon to grab lunch at the airport and wait. Even though I was stuck in the airport all-day I did discover a tasty treat at the Tri-Cities airport the Columbia Bar & Grill! Yum. I ordered the brisket sandwich… very good!
The flight was delayed over an hour so I caught up on some old Seinfeld episodes and The Batman on HBOmax. Got in Vegas around 1 am. Long travel day. I was pooped. I had a great first TBEX experience. I met some very nice people and gained some helpful tips and information for my future travels and this blog. The only thing that really bothered me was that some of the sessions seemed to be more about the presenter than the information they presented. Perhaps weaving in personal experiences will help at some point. Well, I hope this blog gave you an idea of what to expect at these types of conferences and if you are just starting out in the travel blogging industry I strongly suggest attending. It was very helpful and fun!